On December 4, 2021 at 1 p.m., a virtual screening and discussion of the film Pier Kids was hosted by Alaska Public Media.
Pier Kids, directed by Elegance Bratton and produced by Chester Algernal Gordon, transports audiences to New York City’s historic Christopher Street Pier where homeless queer Black youth navigate the streets to find safety and stability. The film shines a light on an underground community of Pier Kids, showcasing the intricate ways queer people of color utilize public space to build chosen family. This hopeful portrait exposes a side of New York City many often choose to ignore.
Discussion was facilitated during and after this digital screening in partnership with local nonprofits serving Alaska’s LGBTQ+ homeless youth community, and focusing on hearing from the youth themselves about their experience.
There were 57 attendees. Our guests, Zee and Kamisha did an inspiring job, and Lex Treinen was a fantastic facilitator. You can catch the presentation sans the film at an unlisted link on our YouTube here.
This program was made possible by a grant from American Documentary | POV, with funding provided by the Open Society Foundations.
